Air-direction adjusting apparatus for air-conditioning equipment

ABSTRACT

In an apparatus in which a blow-out nozzle is provided at a lower end of an air course formed in the inside of a body of the air-conditioning equipment and blown air passed through the air course is blown out of a blow-outlet while guided in the left/right direction by a plurality of parallel guide vanes pivotally held by the blow-out nozzle, wherein each vane has a C-shaped annular pivotal bearing and a sleeve fitted into the bearing, a shaft extending from an inner wall of the nozzle being inserted into the sleeve, the shaft having claws which project from the upper end portion of the shaft so as to retain the sleeve.

This is a Division, of application Ser. No. 08/202,258, filed on Feb.25, 1994 U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,588.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mechanism which controls a directionof air flow from an outlet of an air-conditioning unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIGS. 60-62 show the air-directing control mechanism in a conventionalair conditioning unit as disclosed in the unexamined Japanese UtilityModel Publication No. Sho-58-69735. FIG. 60 shows the body of anair-conditioning unit, FIG. 61 shows a cross section of the body of FIG.60, and FIG. 62 shows a vertical section of the body of FIG. 60.

In the figures, the reference numeral 1 represents the body of an airconditioning unit, 2 represents a front panel having an air inlet 3which covers the front surface of the body 1, 4 represents an air-outlethaving an opening at a front lower portion of the body 1, 5 represents aheat exchanger oriented so as to face air inlet 3, 6 represents a casingwhich is situated inside of the main body 1 which enables an air course13 to be formed, 7 represents a movable vane situated close to the airoutlet 4 and is pivotally mounted to the left and right side walls 11and 15 of the front panel to by a shaft 16 which is mounted to the leftand right end portions of the air-outlet 4. Movable vane 7 changes theair direction both horizontally, vertically, or any combination of thesedirections. Reference numeral 8 represents a series of parallel guidevanes which run between walls 10 and 14 of the left and right sideportions of an air outlet nozzle 9 so as to be held by a pivotal shaft17 and to change the air direction from the left side to the right side,9 represents an air outlet nozzle and is positioned under the innercasing 6 to thereby provide an air course, 12 represents a line flow fanlocated on the air course 13 before the air outlet 4 and is driven bymotor 18, and 19 represents coiled springs suspended from the shaft 16.

FIG. 63 shows the layout of the right guide vanes depicted in FIG. 62,and FIG. 64 shows one of the guide vanes depicted in FIG. 63.

In the figures, the reference numeral 20 represents left/right movablerod which is pivotally mounted to the row of guide vanes 8 by shafts 21.This rod enables the angles of the guide vanes 8 to be simultaneouslychanged to an arbitrary valve in either the left or right direction.

The operation of the apparatus will be described below. When the lineflow fan 12 is driven in a conventional air conditioning unitconstructed as described above, air is sucked from the room through theinlet 3, passes through the heat exchanger 5 and is cooled in a coolingmode or heated in a heating mode. The air is then drawn down the aircourse 13 as blown out to the room through the air outlet 4. This flowof air is represented by the arrow U in FIG. 61. The upward/downward airdirection and the leftward/rightward air direction are adjusted by themovable vane 7 and the guide vanes 8, respectively. The shafts 21 thatpivotally hold the guide vanes 8 and the leftward/rightward movable rod20 are connected to the shaft 17 that pivotally holds the guide vanes 8.These are connected at intervals of a predetermined distance, enablingall of the guide vanes 8 to be turned in the same direction at the sametime. This is controlled on the basis of the displacement quantity +Asupplied to the leftward/rightward movable rod 20.

Due to design restrictions it is not possible to expose the movable vane7 and the guide vanes 8 to the outside of the front panel 2. It isnecessary to position the movable vane 7 to the outermost part of theair-outlet because this vane 7 must also serve as a blocking cover forthe air outlet. Accordingly, the guide vanes 8 cannot be positionedfurther back from the air outlet than movable vane 7. In this case, theoperation of the mechanism which controls the direction of air flow isas follows. For example, when the leftward/rightward movable rod 20 ismoved to the right by a displacement quantity +A as shown in FIG. 63,the guide vanes 8 will direct the air to the right side. Air will thenbe reflected by the surface of the wall 14 and a forward straight aircurrent will be formed before the air is blown out. In this case, theflow of air in the direction of the guide vanes is represented by W₂ andthe flow of air after reflection is represented by V₂. The flow W₂ isdisturbed by the flow V₂ so that it is deflected according to the vectorrepresenting the direction of (V₂ +W₂). As a result, the outlet airdirection cannot be accurately controlled in a conventional airconditioning unit even in the case where the air direction is said to beat a left-rightwise oblique angle with respect to the air-conditioningequipment.

FIGS. 65 and 66 show another mechanism for controlling the direction ofair in a conventional air-conditioning unit as described in JapaneseUtility Model Unexamined Publication No. Sho-63-147650. FIG. 65 is across section of the apparatus and FIG. 66 shows the operating state ofthe apparatus depicted in FIG. 65. In the figures, the reference numeral201 represents an air-outlet, 202 represents the inner wall of theair-outlet 201, and 203 represents two rows of vanes. These vanes arelocated at equal intervals and change the air direction.

The reference numeral 204 represents shafts which are connected to thevanes 203 and enable them to be connected to the inner wall 202.

The reference numeral 205 represents connection arms each of whichconnects the groups of vanes 203. Connection shafts 206 pivotally holdthe other edge side of the arm with respect to shafts 204 of the vanes203 are joined. As shown in FIG. 65, the connection shafts 206 arearranged in a line inclined with respect to a line connecting therespecter shafts 204 of the vanes 203 so that the distance between theshaft 204 of the vane 203 furthest from the inner wall 202 (inner vane)and the connection shaft 206 in FIG. 65 is said to be shorter than thedistance between the shaft 204 of the vane 203 closest to inner wall 202(outer vane) and the connection shaft 206 in FIG. 65.

The configuration of a mechanism for controlling the direction of airfrom a conventional air conditioning unit is shown in FIGS. 65 and 66and has been described above. As shown in FIG. 66, this mechanism isused such that two groups of vanes 203 are arranged with their lowerportions spread out. In this condition, the inclination of inner vane203 in FIG. 66 is nearer to the horizontal line than the inclination ofouter vane 203 in FIG. 66. Accordingly, the respective angles of blownair deflected by the vanes 203 are formed as represented by the solidarrows in FIG. 66 so that the inclination of the inner vane 203 isnearer to the horizontal line than the inclination of the outer vane203.

Further, a narrow gap is formed at a center portion between the twogroups of vanes 203. Accordingly, air 207 blow out through this gapcannot flow smoothly, so that the air flow 207 is weakened. As a result,secondary air 208 in the vicinity of the air 207 is entrained, so that adew 209 is produced on the vanes 203.

As the air directing apparatus in conventional indoor units isconfigured as described above, in general blown air currents aredeflected toward the front of the indoor unit. This resultant deflectioncan be attributed to the fact that the air flow is reflected from boththe nozzles and from the right and left walls of the front panel. Itbecomes apparent that the resulting air current cannot be made to arriveaccurately at the point aimed at. This occurs particularly when theblown air current is controlled by using a human body sensor so thedirection of the air flow tracks a human's location.

In the aforementioned mechanism for controlling the direction of airflow, when the left/right deflection rod 20 is moved by a largedisplacement, the pressure loss caused by the guide vanes 8 increases sothat the quantity of air blown out of the air-outlet 4 through the aircourse 13 is extremely reduced. As a result, particularly in an airheating mode, heated air is blown upwards so that the heated air cannotreach the floor of the living room.

As the temperature of the blown air is lowered in an air cooling mode,dew is deposited onto respective portions of the air-outlet 4 and theunits body 1. This can result in dew droplets falling into the spacebeing air conditioned and/or it can promote mildew growth. Further, moreof the blown air falls down to the floor near the air-conditioningequipment rather than being blown in a forward direction as in theprevious case. Accuracy in controlling an air currents direction isundoubtedly lowered.

Due to the fact that the air direction is primarily controlled by theguide vanes 8, the air current is separated so that dew is depositedonto respective parts of the air outlet 4 in an air cooling mode.Furthermore, in the case where the air conditioning equipment ispositioned close to a wall on the conditioned space, the blown aircurrents are deflected on the wall so that this air current is suckedinto the equipment through the suction inlet 3. Accordingly, the aircurrent does not circulate in the living rooms so that a comfortableenvironment cannot be achieved. In order to prevent the aforementionedproblem, it is necessary to limit the deflection angle of the left/rightair deflection plates. In conventional apparatuses this has been done,although this limited angle similarly limits the flow direction in anair heating mode when there is no dew deposition and also when the unitis not mounted near a wall. In these cases an uneven space temperaturemay result in a subsequent lack of comfort.

In the air directing mechanism used in conventional air-conditioningunits as shown in FIG. 65 or in 66, the respective vanes 203 areproduced while the distances between the shafts 204 and the connectionshafts 206 are successively changed in accordance with the positions ofthe arrangement of the vanes 203. The production and assembly of thesevanes 203 requires lengthy labor time.

Furthermore, a narrow gap is formed between the two groups of vanes 203.Accordingly, the air 207 blown out through this gap is weak so thatsecondary air 208 in the close vicinity is entrained. Dew 209 will thusbe deposited on the vanes 203 and eventually fall down into the space tobe air-conditioned.

In addition, it is difficult to ensure that the vanes 203 at thepivotally mounted portions are able to move smoothly and noiselessly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the aforementioned problems. Subsequently,the first object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism toaccurately control the air flow from left to right and to ensure thatthe air current accurately reaches the desired position.

The second object of the present invention is to widen the allowablerange in which air can be blown into a room and thereby improve spacecomfort. It is intended that this air direction control mechanism can beboth manufactured and assembled easily and cheaply. The third object ofthis mechanism is to reduce the amount of dew deposition which occurs onthe vanes and to substantially reduce the amount of dew which isdeposited in the air conditioned space.

The fourth object of this mechanism is to ensure that the rotatingoperations of the vanes are smooth and have a reduced noise level.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, guide vanes are controlled so that the angle ofinclination of each guide vane becomes larger as the end of thearrangement is approached.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from an airconditioning unit, the guide vanes are controlled so that only the vanesoccupying the positions at the left and right of the arrangement haveangles of inclination larger than the other guide vanes so that thespace between the guide vanes can be blocked. The angles of inclinationof the remaining guide vanes can then be set to be equal to one anotherin the direction of the air flow.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from an airconditioning unit, the side walls of the units body are constructed ofsmoothly curved surfaces so that their cross-sectional area graduallybecomes larger as the outlet of the unit is approached.

The guide vanes will preferably be controlled by two driving systems.These driving systems will swing the guide vanes from left to right andmake the inclinations of the guide vanes independent of one another.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, only one driving system is used to swing theguide vanes from left to right and this is performed via a connectionrod attached to the guide vanes. The distances between the guide vanesand the connection points of the connection rod are made different fromone another.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention has a structure whereby theguide vanes located to the left and right of the arrangement and theleft/right side walls of the unit body are connected to one another.This is achieved via a bellows-like bulkhead without disturbing themotion of the guide vane, and blocks a space between the vane an theside wall of the unit body.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from an airconditioning unit, the present invention has the space between the guidevanes located to the left and right of the arrangement and the unit'sleft/right side walls filled with a sponge-like material.

In accordance with each of the mechanisms mentioned above that controlthe direction of air flow from an air-conditioning unit preferably twodriving systems (left and right) should be used to accurately andindependently control the guide vanes.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention has a sensor for detectingthe location of a human body so that the conditioned air can be directedat this location.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention has a sensor for detectingthe location of human bodies. If these human bodies are in differentpositions, then the sensor will inform the controller to direct theair-conditioned air to the area where the human bodies are located.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention ensures that the guidevanes are controlled such that the angle of inclination of each guidevane becomes smaller as the end of the guide vane arrangement isapproached.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the side walls of the unit's body are constructedof smoothly curved surfaces so that the cross-sectional area graduallybecomes larger as the outlet of the unit is approached.

In order to accurately control the guide vanes two driving systems arepreferably used. These driving systems will swing the guide vanes fromleft to right and make the inclinations of the guide vanes independentof one another.

In order to control the guide vanes only one driving system is used toswing the guide vanes from left to right and this is performed via aconnection rod attached to the guide vanes. The distances between theguide vanes and the connection points of the connection rod are madedifferent from one another.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from an airconditioning unit, the present invention has a structure whereby theguide vanes located at the left and right sides of the arrangement andthe left/right side walls of the unit body are connected to one anotherwith a bellows-like bulkhead without disturbing the motion of the guidevanes which thereby blocks the space between the vanes and the sidewalls of the unit body.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from an airconditioning unit, the present invention has the space between the guidevanes located at the left and right of the guide vane arrangement andthe unit walls filled with a sponge like material.

In accordance with each of the above-mentioned mechanisms forcontrolling the direction of air flow from an air conditioning unit,preferably two driving systems (left and right) should be used toaccurately and independently control the guide vanes.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from an airconditioning unit, a sensor for detecting the location of an object sothat the conditioned air can be directed to this location is provided.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention has a sensor for detectingthe location of objects. If the objects are in different positions, thenthe sensor will inform a controller to direct the conditioned air to theareas in which the objects are located.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention consists of a cross flowfan which is provided in the body of the unit, up/down air deflectionplates provided at the air outlet of the unit body, a series ofleft/right air deflection plates connected to one another, a motor whichenables the angles of the left-right air deflection plates to bechanged, and a controller which controls the magnitude of the angles ofthe deflection plates and ensures that the rotational speed of the crossflow fan is increased when the angles of the left/right air deflectionplates exceed a predetermined critical value.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow in anair-conditioning unit, the present invention consists of a cross flowfan which is provided in the body of the unit, up/down air deflectionplates provided at the air outlet of the unit body, a series ofleft/right air deflection plates connected to one another, a motor whichenables the angles of the left/right air deflection plates to bechanged, and a controller which controls the magnitude of the angles ofthe left/right deflection plates and ensures that the up/down airdeflection plates direct air downward in an air cooling mode and upwardin an air heating mode when the angles of said up/down air deflectionplates become greater than a predetermined critical value.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention consists of a cross flowfan which is provided in the body of the unit, up/down air deflectionplates provided at the air outlet of the unit body, a series ofleft/right air deflection plates connected to one another, a motor whichenables the angles of the left/right air deflection plates to bechanged, and a controller which controls the magnitude of the angles ofthe left/right air deflection plates and ensures that the angles ofthese left/right air deflection plates are reduced in an air coolingmode and increased in an air heating mode.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention comprises a cross flow fanwhich is provided in the body of the unit, up/down air deflection platesprovided at the air outlet of the unit body, a series of left/right airdeflection plates connected to one another, a motor which enables theangles of the left/right air deflection plates to be changed, and acontroller which controls the magnitude of the angles of the left/rightair deflection plates and ensures that these angles are reduced after apredetermined period of time should these angles exceed a critical valueupon the start of the air cooling operation.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention comprises a cross flow fanwhich is provided in the body of the unit, up/down air deflection platesprovided at the air outlet of the unit body, a series of left/right airdeflection plates connected to one another, a motor which enables theangles of the left/right air deflection plates to be changed, and acontroller which controls the magnitude of the angles of the left/rightair deflection plates and ensures that the range of deflection of theleft/right air deflection plates is corrected so that the air flow isnot directed at a wall when one side of said unit is located near awall.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention comprises three types ofvanes mounted in the air outlet via a pivotal bearing so as to engage inrotational movement to direct the flow of air. The first and secondvanes are located at opposite ends of the series of vanes and both haverotational bearings. The rotational and pivotal bearings of the secondvane are closer together than those of the first vane. The rotationalbearings of the first and second vanes are connected via a connectionarm. From this connection arm, intermediate connection shafts arepivotally connected to movable fittings of the third vane. These movablefittings consist of elongated holes.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of an air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention comprises three types ofvanes mounted in the air outlet via pivotal bearing which engage inrotational movement to direct the flow of air. The first and secondvanes are located at opposite ends of the series of vanes and both haverotational bearings. The rotational and pivotal bearings of the secondvane are closer together than those of the first vane. The rotationalbearings of the first and second vanes are connected via a connectionarm. From this connection arm, intermediate connection shafts arepivotally connected to the movable fittings of the third vane. Thesemovable fittings consist of bearings located above an elongated holewhich is equal in length to the bottom of the third vane. This bearingpivotally holds the intermediate joint shaft which is connected to theintermediate connection shaft.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention comprises two series ofvanes which are located at the left and right sides of an air outlet.Both series of vanes engage in rotational movement in oppositedirections to thereby change the air direction. A narrow space betweenthe left and right series of vanes is formed. Each of the vanes has aseries of cavities on its surface which can receive dew.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the present invention comprises vanes located atan air outlet which engage in rotational movement to change thedirection of air flow. Pivotal bearings located in the edge portions onone side of each of the vanes form a C-shape. Sleeves fitted over thepivotal bearings hold them in place and shafts connected to the unit'sinner wall are inserted in the sleeves, respectively.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the angle of inclination of each guide vanebecomes larger as the end of the guide vane arrangement is approached.If conditioned air collides with the left/right side of the nozzle orwith the left/right side of the front panel and reflects off of it, itwill rejoin the bulk air flow and subsequently displace it. This newbulk air flow will travel out of the unit at an angle larger than theleft/right inclination angle. This resultant direction can beestablished by adding together the vectors of the air flow before theycollide. As a result, the bulk air flow can be directed in the requiredleft/right direction.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the angle of inclination of the guide vaneslocated at the left and right ends of the guide vane arrangement or anynumber of guide vanes from the left or rights ends of the arrangementcan be set to have a larger angle than the remaining vanes. This enablesa portion and/or portions of the outlet air nozzle to be blocked betweenthe guide vanes and the unit's body. Accordingly, the air flow reflectedfrom the left/right portion of the nozzle wall and the left/right sideof the front panel which may have been deflected into a forward straightdirection can be eliminated. As a result, the bulk air flow can bedirected in the desired direction.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the side walls of the unit are comprised ofsmoothly curved surfaces. This enables the air's cross sectional area togradually become larger as air is blown out of the unit. The air'sdirection can subsequently be carefully controlled even at angles ofsteep inclination.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the guide vanes are controlled by two drivingsystems. These driving systems are used to swing the guide vanes fromleft to right or vice versa and will facilitate appropriate inclinationsof the guide vanes with respect to the direction of the bulk air flow.This will enable a reduction in cost.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, manufacturing costs can be reduced by employingone driving system only. This will control deflection angles of theguide vanes and will operate via a connection member attached to eachguide vane. The respective distances between the respective rotatingcenters of the guide vanes and the respective connection points of theconnection member with the guide vanes will be made different from oneanother.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the guide vanes at the left and right sides ofthe guide vane arrangement can be connected to the unit body via abellows-like bulkhead without disturbing the motion of the guide vanes.This allows a space to be blocked between the vane and the side walls ofthe unit's body. This space can be filled with a sponge like material.Accordingly, the air flow reflected from the wall surface on theleft/right portion of the nozzle and/or on the left/right side wall ofthe front panel can be eliminated and the direction of the bulk air flowcan be accurately set.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, if two driving systems are provided forindependent control of the two sets of guide vanes then the unit can beoperated in a wide mode even in the case where humans are located indifferent positions.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow in anair-conditioning unit, a sensor for detecting a location of a human bodyis included. This ensures that the direction of the conditioned air flowis automatically concentrated on the human body occupying the space.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow in anair-conditioning unit, when the human sensor is used and in the eventthat humans are located in different positions, the controller willautomatically inform the two systems to ensure that conditioned air isuniformly supplied to the full range of the human occupied locations.Accordingly, the system can also be operated in a wide mode whileautomatically adjusting the air direction.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the guide vanes are controlled so that the angleof inclination of each guide vane becomes smaller as the end of theguide vane arrangement is approached at both the left and the rightside. In the case where the vane inclination angle is large or thedistance between guide vanes and the nozzle outlet is large, the bulkair flow may interfere with the unit walls or a portion of the nozzlesleft and right walls. In this case, the guide vanes can be controlled sothat the inclination angle of each guide vane becomes smaller as the endof the guide vane arrangement is approached. This method will reduce thequantity of air incident on the wall surfaces and therefore suppress theamount of interference. As a result, the bulk air flow can be accuratelydirected in the required direction.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the side walls of the unit are constructed ofsmoothly curved surfaces. This enables the air's cross sectional area togradually become larger as air is blown out of the unit. These curvedsurfaces enable the air flow to be accurately controlled even when theguide vanes have steep inclination angles.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, only two driving systems are used to swing theguide vanes from left to right so as to make the respective inclinationsof the guide vanes different from one another. Therefore reduction incost can be achieved.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, only one driving system for swinging the guidevanes from left to right is required. The positions of the connectionpoints of the connection rod with the respective guide vanes are fixedand the distances between the respective rotating centers of the guidevanes and the connection points are made different from one another. Itis possible to omit a mechanism for making the respective inclinationsof the guide vanes different from one another and subsequently animprovement in reliability and a reduction in cost will be achieved.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the guide vanes situated closest to the casingwalls of the unit and the walls themselves can be connected to oneanother via a bellows-like bulkhead. This enables the space between theguide vane and the unit's body to be blocked and filled with asponge-like material. This has no effect on the motion of the guidevanes, and eliminates reflection of the air current from the surface ofthe walls.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of a flow of air from anair-conditioning unit, if two systems (left and right) are provided tomake the inclinations of the guide vanes independent of one another,then the unit can be operated in a wide mode even in the case wherehuman bodies are located in different positions.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of an air flow from anair-conditioning unit, a sensor for detecting the location of the humanbody is included. This ensures that the direction of the conditioned airflow is automatically concentrated on the human body.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of an air flow from anair-conditioning unit, two guide vane control systems (left and right)together with the human body locating sensor are employed. When thehuman body locating sensor locates more than one human body in differentpositions, then the controller will automatically inform the two systemsto ensure that conditioned air is uniformly supplied to the full rangeof the human occupied locations. The unit can also be operated in a widemode with automatic adjustment of the air direction.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the rotational speed of the cross flow fan isincreased when the angle of the left/right air deflection plates exceedsa predetermined critical value. This ensures that the quantity ofconditioned air becomes approximately equal to the quantity when theangle of the left/right air deflection plates is small. Accordingly, thetemperature of the conditioned air current in an air cooling mode ismaintained relatively high even when the angle of the left/right airdeflection plates is large. The back flow of the air in the living roomtoward the air outlet is prevented so that dew formation at the airoutlet decreases. Furthermore, even when the angle of left/right airdeflection plates is large, warm air can still reach the floor surfacein an air heating mode and comfort criteria can subsequently bemaintained.

In this mechanism for controlling the direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the controller which controls the magnitude ofthe angles of the left/right deflection plates ensures that when theplate's angles become greater than a predetermined critical value, theup/down air deflection plates direct air downward in an air cooling modeand upward in an air heating mode.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the controller controls the magnitude of theangles of the left/right air deflection plates and ensures that theseangles are reduced in an air cooling mode and increased in an airheating mode. Accordingly, dew formation can be prevented in an aircooling mode, and warm air still reaches the required portion of theliving room in an air heating mode.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the controller which controls a magnitude of theangles of the left/right air deflection plates in an air cooling modeensures that if the magnitude of these angles exceed a predeterminedcritical value then they will gradually be reduced after a predeterminedperiod of time has elapsed.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the controller ensures that when one side of theunit is located near a wall then the range of the deflection of theleft/right air deflection plates is corrected so that the air flow isnot directed at the wall. Accordingly, the direction of the air currentis moved to such an angle that the air flow does not reflect on the wallsurface and circulates normally in the living room.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of an air flow from anair-conditioning unit, a series of three vanes are located in anintermediate position and are pivotally held by connection shafts.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of an air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the series of three vanes are located in anintermediate position so that the number of vanes is reduced.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of an air flow from anair-conditioning unit, a narrow space is formed between two conditionedair jets. Within this space, the air flow is weak so that secondary airis entrained in and reaches the guide vanes. Due to the difference intemperature of the guide vanes and the secondary air, dew droplets areformed and they are allowed to collect and flow down into the dewreceiving cavities.

In this mechanism for controlling a direction of an air flow from anair-conditioning unit, the guide vanes located at the air outlet arepivoted on shafts connected from the inner wall of the unit to thesleeves and pivotal bearings of the guide vanes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the guide vanes on the right side of a guide vanearrangement according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the guide vanes on the right side of a guide vanearrangement inclined to the right, according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show the operation of the driving system according tothe first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the method for connecting the guide vanes to theleft/right changing rod according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates another method of connecting the guide vanes and theleft/right changing rod according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative method for moving a left/rightchanging rod while the rod touches the circumference of the left orright cam according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a second alternative method for moving the left/rightchanging rod while the rod touches the circumference of the left orright cam according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 explains the method of control when the guide vane control systemis divided into two systems according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of the flow pattern near the sidewall according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows the guide vanes on the left side according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows the guide vanes on the left side when they are inclined tothe left according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12a and 12b explain the operation of the driving system accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a method to connect the guide vanes to theleft/right changing rod according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a method to connect a guide vane to an L-shaped rodwhich changes the inclination angle according to the second embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows the guide vanes on the right side according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 shows the guide vanes on the right side according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart that explains the control operation of theair-direction mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 shows the guide vanes on the right side according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 shows the air flow pattern in the vicinity of the guide vanes onthe right side, according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 shows the air flow pattern in the vicinity of the guide vanes onthe right side according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 shows flows separation around the guide vanes on the right sidewhen the vanes according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention are inclined rightward;

FIGS. 22a and 22b show that the average guide vane angle can be made tobe 45°, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows the results when the average guide vane angle is made tobe 45°, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 24a and 24b explain the results when the average guide vane angleis made to be ±-45°, according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 shows the results when the average guide vane angle is made tobe ±-45°, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows the rate of reduction of the quantity of conditioned airrelative to the guide vane angle according to the sixth embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 27 shows the guide vanes on the right side according to a seventhembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 shows the air-conditioning unit according to an eighthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged vertical section through the side view of FIG.28;

FIG. 30 is a typical view of a controller for the air outlet of theair-conditioning unit of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a system diagram of the air-conditioning unit of FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart which explains the operation of theair-conditioning unit of FIG. 28;

FIG. 33 shows a flow chart which explains the operation of the mechanismwhich controls the direction of air flow from an air-conditioning unitaccording to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 shows the general air flow pattern from the air-conditioningunit of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 shows the direction of the air flow from and into theair-conditioning unit of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention and aconceptual view showing the angle range of the left/right air deflectionplates when the unit is in an air cooling mode;

FIG. 37 shows an example of the angles of the left/right air deflectionplates in both heating and cooling modes, corresponding to FIG. 36;

FIGS. 38a and 38b show the air temperature distribution at 50 cm abovethe floor surface of a room in an air heating mode in accordance withthe configuration of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 shows the relationship between the angles of the left/right airdeflection plates and the quantity of air, corresponding to FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a flow chart which explains the operation of the mechanismfor controlling the direction of air flow from an air-conditioning unitin accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a typical view of the left/right air deflection plates duringoperation of the air-conditioning unit of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a flow chart that explains the operation of the mechanism forcontrolling the direction or air flow from an air-conditioning unit inaccordance with the twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a plan view showing an example of mounting theair-conditioning unit near a wall using the flow chart presented in FIG.42;

FIG. 44 is a plan view showing the direction of air flow from the unitlocated as in FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 shows an example of correcting the angle of the left/right airdeflection plates in FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a thirteenth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 47 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a cross sectional plan view of the air-outlet of a fourteenthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a front view of the vanes of a fifteenth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 51 is an enlarged view of a section along the X--X line in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 illustrates a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention anda perspective view corresponding to the above-mentioned FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 shows the section along Y--Y line in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 shows another section along the Y--Y line in FIG. 52;

FIG. 55 shows another section along the Y--Y line in FIG. 52;

FIG. 56 shows a view of the vanes according to a seventeenth embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 57 shows the sleeve which is fitted into the pivotal bearing ofFIG. 56;

FIG. 58 shows the shaft erected on the inner wall of the air-outletcorresponding to the vane of FIG. 56;

FIG. 59 is a vertical section showing the assembled state of the pivotalbearing of FIG. 56, the sleeve of FIG. 57, and the shaft of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 shows a conventional air-conditioning unit;

FIG. 61 is a cross sectional view of the conventional air-conditioningunit of FIG. 60;

FIG. 62 is a vertical sectional view of the conventionalair-conditioning unit of FIG. 60;

FIG. 63 shows the air flow pattern through the guide vane on the rightside of the conventional air-conditioning unit;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the guide vanes of the conventionalair-conditioning unit;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of showing the mechanism for changingthe air direction in a conventional air-conditioning unit; and

FIG. 66 shows the operational state of the unit of FIG. 65.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with referenceto the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the guide vanes of the right side of aguide vane arrangement, FIG. 2 shows the guide vanes of the right sideinclined to the right, and FIGS. 3a and 3b show the operation of thedriving system of FIG. 1.

In the drawing figures, the reference numeral 8 represents a series ofguide vanes located in parallel between the right and left walls 10 and14 of an air outlet nozzle 9. The guide vanes are held by pivots 17, andguide the direction of the conditioned air in the left/right direction.A cross flow fan 12 is provided on the side of the air outlet 4 in theair course 13, and is driven by a motor 18. Reference numeral 15represents the right side wall of the front panel 2. The referencenumeral 20 represents a left/right changing rod which can simultaneouslydirect the series of guide vanes 8 at a desired angle in the left/rightdirections. Reference numeral 21 represents the inner section betweenthe guide vanes 8 and the rod 20. The inner sections 21 can movelongitudinally with the rod 20. The reference numeral 22 represents arod which is used to change the left/right direction and inclination ofrod 20 in a perpendicular direction. The reference numerals 23 and 24represent left and right cams located at the left and right end portionsof the rod 20. This enables them to be able to rotate about rotationshafts 27 and 28. By changing the distances between the rod 20 and therotation shafts 27 and 28, the cams 23 and 24 enable rod 20 to move fromleft to right and to incline in a perpendicular direction to the pivots17. The reference numerals 25 and 26 represent left and rightcantilevers. These can rotate around the rotation shafts 27 and 28 withthe left and right cams 23 and 24, respectively. The cams are connectedto the rod 22 via the rotation shafts 35 and 36. The reference numeral29 represents a variable motor which has a rotation shaft 37. Referencenumeral 30 represents a lever which can be rotated around the rotationshaft 37 by the variable motor 29. It attaches to rod 22 via a pivot 33,and is thus able to move rod 22 in the left/right directions. The pivot33 can move in the same longitudinal direction as the lever 30. Thereference numeral 31 represents a variable motor which has a rotationshaft 38. Reference numeral 32 represents a lever which can be rotatedaround the rotation shaft 38 by the variable motor 31. This lever 32 ispivotally held by the rod 20 via a pivot 34, and through this the rod 20can be moved both to the left and to the right. The pivot 34 can move inthe longitudinal direction of the lever 32. The reference numerals 39and 40 represent coiled springs which make the rod contact the outsidecircumference of the left cam 23 and the right cam 24. This ensures therod will follow the movement of the cams.

The system operation will now be described. The intersection points 21of the guide vanes 8 and the rod 20 can move in a directionperpendicular to the pivot 17. When the rod 20 is parallel to a straightline connecting the respective pivots 17 as shown in FIG. 1 and at therotation shaft 38 of the variable motor 31 is rotated to rotate thelever 32 and move the rod 20 in the left/right directions via the pivot34, then the distance between the intersections 21 of the guide vanesand the rod 20 and the pivot 17 are the same on each guide vane 8.Accordingly, the respective guide vanes 8 are all inclined at the sameangle. However, if the rod 20 is inclined by +B at the left end and -Bat the right end with respect to the reference position and relative tothe straight line connecting the respective pivot 17 as shown in FIG. 2,the distances between the pivot 17 and the intersections 21 of the guidevanes and the rod 20 become shorter as the right end of the guide vanes8 is approached. Therefore, in this situation if the rotation shaft 38of the variable motor 31 is rotated to rotate the lever 32, and move therod 20 in the right direction by the displacement +A via the pivot 34,displacements of the intersections 21 to the right are indeed the samemagnitude of +A on each guide vane 8. However, the distances between thepivot 17 and the intersections 21 are so different that the inclinationsof the respective guide vanes 8 get larger gradually from θ₁ to θ₆.Although this lever 32 is pivotally held by the rod 20 via the pivot 34,the pivot 34 can move in the longitudinal direction of the lever 32.This is achieved by providing a groove in the lever 32 so thedisplacement ±B is absorbed in the case where rod 20 is inclined.

Next, a mechanism for inclining the rod 20 relative to the straight lineand connecting the respective pivot 17 will be described.

FIG. 3a shows a situation in which the rod 20 is parallel to thestraight line connecting the respective pivot 17. In this instance, itis assumed that the distance between the rotation shafts 27 and 28 andthe rod 28 is D₁. Although the rod 20 is pulled to the left cam 23 andright cam 24 by the coiled springs 39 and 40, the rod 20 can still move.If the rotation shaft 37 of the variable motor 29 is rotated to rotatethe lever 30, the rod 22 is moved in the left/right direction via thepivot 33. As the left lever 25 and the right lever 26 rotate, therotation shaft 27 and 28 are centered, respectively. The rod 22 nowmoves in the left/right direction to center the rotation shaft 27 and 28via the rotation shafts 35 and 36. As the left lever 25 and the rightlever 26 are interlinked with the left cam 23 and the right cam 24 viathe rotation shaft 27 and 28 respectively, the rotations of the leftlever 25 and the right lever 26 cause the left cam 23 and the right cam24 to rotate, respectively. If the variable motor 29 is rotated as shownin FIG. 3b, the left cam 23 enlarges the distance between the rotationshaft 27 and the rod 22 (D₁ +B). Conversely, the right cam 24 reducesthe distance between the rotation shaft 28 and the rod 20 to (D₁ -B). Asa result, the rod 20 is inclined relative to the straight line inconnecting the respective pivot 17. The reference marks HN and L on theleft cam 23 and the right cam 24 show the positions in which thedistance between the respective rotation shafts 27 and 28 and the rod 20is made equal to (D₁ +B), D₁, and (D₁ -B), respectively.

If all of the guide vanes are controlled so that the angle ofinclination of each guide vane becomes larger as the end of the guidevane arrangement is approached, then, for example, if air is blown tothe right and is reflected on the right wall 14 of the nozzle and theright wall 15 of the front panel, or the air flow is deflected to aforward straight flow, then the flow passing between the guide vanesadjacent to or near the flow that is deflected will be blown out at anangle larger than the preset angle of inclination. Accordingly, the bulkflow will be deflected according to the composite vector of both theflows, so that the bulk air flow can be blown into the preset direction.

A similar method to that described in the above embodiment can beutilized when inclining the guide vanes to the left.

FIG. 4 illustrates the details of the mechanism for connecting the guidevanes 8 to the rod 20 in embodiment 1.

In this figure, the reference numeral 8 represents a guide vanepivotally held by a pivot 17. Reference numeral 20 represents a rod usedto direct the series of guide vanes 8 at a desired angle. Referencenumeral 41 represents a hole in the guide vane with a long side W₁ sothat the rod 20 can move by ±-B in the direction perpendicular to thepivot 17. Reference numeral 42 represents an opening on the rod 20 witha width W₂ in the longitudinal direction of the rod so that violentstress does not occur on the slide shaft 43 even if the angle betweenthe guide vane and the rod 20 changes quickly. With such aconfiguration, the rod 20 can be slided along the slide shaft 43 in thedirection perpendicular to the pivot of the guide vane 8.

FIG. 5 illustrates in detail another mechanism for connect the guidevanes 8 and the rod 20 in embodiment 1.

In this figure, the reference numeral 8 represents a guide vanepivotally held by a pivot 17. Reference numeral 20 represents a rod fordirecting the series of guide vanes to a desired angle. Referencenumeral 44 represents a slide bar formed by cutting the guide vane intoan E-shape, and reference numeral 45 represents a guide vane frameattached to the end of the guide vane to prevent the rod 20 from comingoff the slide bar. The guide vane 8 and the guide vane frame 45 werebuilt to enable the slide bar 44 to have enough length for the rod planeto move by a + or -B. The reference numeral 42 represents an opening inthe rod with a width W₂ in the longitudinal direction of the rod so thatviolent stress is not applied to the slide bar 44 even if the anglebetween the guide vane 8 and the rod 20 changes quickly. With such aconfiguration, the rod 20 can be slided along the slide bar 44 and indirection perpendicular to the pivot 17 of the guide vane 8.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for moving the rod 20 whilemaking it remain in contact with a part of the circumference of the leftcam 23 or the right cam 24. In this figure, the reference numeral 20represents a rod and reference numeral 24 represents the right cam whichrotates around a rotation shaft 28. The reference numeral 39 representsa coiled spring which is designed to press the rod 20 toward the rightcam, while the coiled spring in the embodiment of FIG. 3 is designed topull the rod 20 toward the right cam. With such a configuration, rod 20can be moved while remaining in contact with a portion of thecircumference of the left cam 23 or the right cam 24.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for moving rod 20 whileensuring that it remains in contact with the portion of thecircumference of the left cam 23 or the right cam 24 as in theabove-mentioned Embodiment 1. In the figure, the reference numeral 20represents a rod, 24 represents a right cam which rotates around arotation shaft 28, 46 represents a profiled groove on the right cam, and47 represents a guide pin which moves along the profiled groove 46 as aright cam 24 rotates. One end of the guide pin 47 is fixed to the rod20, and the other end is inserted into the profile groove 46. Accordingto this embodiment, the coiled spring 39 can be omitted, and a mechanismfor restraining the cam from rotating beyond its rotational limit canalso be eliminated.

Although the above-mentioned embodiment was described in connection withthe mechanism surrounding the right cam 24, it similarly applies to theleft cam 23.

If the guide vanes are controlled independently using two systems (leftand right), and the driving mechanisms are similarly employed, as in thepreviously mentioned embodiment, then the system can be driven with highaccuracy in a wide mode even when humans are in different locations inthe spaced to be conditioned. If the blowing directions of therespective systems are the same, then the guide vanes whose angles needto be changed are controlled in the same manner as in the aboveembodiment, while the other group of guide vanes are controlled in thesame manner as in the conventional art.

FIG. 8 shows a group of guide vanes arranged on the right similar tothose in FIG. 1 but inclined in the left direction. As illustrated inthe drawing, the rod 20 is made parallel with a straight line inconnection the respective pivot 17, that is, the displacements of bothends of rod 20 are made B=0. In this case, if both ends of the rod 20are moved in the left direction by displacement -A, then theinclinations of all the respective guide vanes 8 have the same value θ₁.This is because the distances between the respective intersections 21and the pivot 17 are the same, and therefore the amount of movement ofthe respective intersections 21 and the left/right direction are thesame -A. An effect similar to that in the above embodiment can beobtained if the control system of the guide vanes is divided into two(left and right systems), and these systems are driven by differentdriving systems. The system can be used to control the group of guidevanes inclined as shown in FIG. 2 and the group of guide vanes shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows the right set of guide vanes as shown in FIG. 1 inclined tothe right. The left and right side walls of the front panel are formedinto a bell-mouth shape as described in embodiment 1. This bell-mouthshape allows the distance between the left side wall 11 and the rightside wall 15 to gradually become larger as the air exits the unit.Reference numeral 48 represents the right sidewall. Within the unit theair flow V₂ can be reflected on the right nozzle wall 14 and on theright side wall 15 of the front panel. This may result in it beingdeflected into a forward straight flow. If the flow W₂ passes betweenthe guide vanes adjacent to or near the flow V₂ it may well be deflectedat a larger angle than its present angle of inclination. Accordingly,the flow V₂ has deflected in the direction of the composite vector (V₂+W₂) of both the flows. An added effect is that this flow adheres to thebell-mouth side wall 48 by the Coanda effect, so that the direction ofthe air flow can be controlled even more accurately.

Embodiment 2

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. FIG.10 shows the guide vanes of the right side of a guide vane arrangement,FIG. 11 shows the guide vanes of FIG. 10 inclined in the left direction,and FIGS. 12a and 12b show the operation of the driving system. In thefigures, the reference numeral 8 represents a series of parallel guidevanes located between the walls 10 and 14 in the portion of the left andright sides of the outlet nozzle 9. The guide vanes are pivotally heldby pivots 17 and guide the air flow in the left and right directions.Reference numeral 12 is a cross flow fan located in the air outlet 4inside the air course 13, and it is driven by a motor 18. Referencenumeral 15 represents the left side wall of the front panel 2. Thereference numeral 20 represents a rod pivotally held on the guide vanes8 by shafts 21 in order to simultaneously direct the guide vanes 8 to adesired angle in the left/right directions. In this case which issimilar to Embodiment 1, the distances between the pivot 17 and theshaft 21 are constant throughout all of the guide vanes 8. The referencenumeral 31 represents a variable motor which has a rotation shaft 38.Reference numeral 32 represents a lever which can be rotated around therotation shaft 38 by means of the variable motor 31. This lever ispivotally held by the rod 20 via a pivot 34, and moves the rod 20 in theleft and right directions. The pivot 34 can be moved in a longitudinaldirection of the lever 32. The reference numeral 50 represents anL-shaped rod which is pivotally held by one end of the rod 20 via arotation shaft 56. Reference numeral 51 is an L-shaped guide grooveprovided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the L-shapedrod 50. Reference numeral 54 represents a variable motor having arotation shaft 53. Reference numeral 52 represents a cam which can berotated around the rotation shaft 53 by the variable motor 54 so itcontacts with the L-shaped rod. Reference numeral 55 represents a guidepin that holds the L-shaped rod 50 onto the guide vanes 8 via the guidegroove 51. The guide pin 55 moves freely along the guide groove 51. Thereference numeral 49 represents a coiled spring designed to press oneend of the L-shaped rod 50 toward the cam 52 and this allows theL-shaped rod 50 to move while remaining in contact with a portion of thecam 52.

The operation of this system will now be described. Firstly, thedistances between the shafts 21 and the guide pin 55 are designed to bethe same in the case where the angle of the L-shaped rod 50 is fixed asshown in FIG. 10. In this case, if the rotation shaft 38 is rotated bythe variable motor 31, the lever 32 is also rotated and this causes therod 20 via the pivot 34 to be moved either to the left or right in astraight line. All the guide vanes 8 are then inclined by the sameangle. The rotation radii of the guide vanes will be equal to each otherbecause the distances between the shafts 21 or the guide pin 55 and thepivot 17 are equal, and also the distances between the shafts 21 and theguide pin 55 are equal. The L-shaped rod has been designed so that thedistance between the guide pin 55 and the adjacent shaft 21 can be madelonger than the distance between the shafts 21 themselves. This isachieved when the cam 52 is rotated as shown in FIG. 11. This causes theL-shaped rod 50 to move toward cam 52. In this case, if the rotationshaft 38 is rotated by the variable motor 31, then the lever 32 is alsorotated. The rotating motion of the lever 32 is changed into left andright straight line motion (of a distance A₁) by rod 20 via the pivot34. Subsequently, the radii of rotation of their guide vanes 8 are equaldue to the distance in between the shafts 21 or the guide pin 55 and thepivot 17 being equal, the distances between the shafts 21 adjacent toeach other and the guide pin 55 and the adjacent shaft 21 are different.Therefore, the shafts 21 are moved by A₁ and the guide pin 55 is movedby A₂ (A₁ <A₂) and the rod 20 is moved by the distance A₁ also. As aresult, only the guide vane 8 at the far right end of the guide vanearrangement is inclined by the angle θ₂ while the remaining guide vanesare inclined by θ₁ (θ₁ <θ₂). Accordingly, only the inclination angle ofthe guide vane at the far left end of the guide vane arrangement can beset to be larger than that of the other guide vanes 8.

The mechanism for changing the altitude of the L-shaped rod 50 toenlarge the inclination angle of only the guide vane 8 at the far leftend of the guide vane arrangement will now be described. FIG. 12a showsthat the position of the cam 52 is set so that the distance between theconnection point of the cam 52, the L-shaped rod 50, and the rotationshaft 53 becomes a maximum. In the figure, the guide pin 55 ispositioned in the guide groove 51 as near as possible to the rotationshaft 56. In this case, the distances between the shafts 21 and thedistance between the guide pin 55 and the adjacent shaft 21 are equal.In this state, all the guide vanes 8 have the same angle of inclination.Next, if the rotation shaft 53 is rotated by the variable motor 54 torotate the cam 52 so that the distance between the connection point ofthe cam 52 and the L-shaped rod 50 and the rotation shaft 52 is reduced,then the L-shaped rod 51 is pressed by the coiled spring 49 to movetoward the cam. This cam rotates around the rotation shaft 56, while theguide pin 55 is guided by the guiding groove 51 so as to move away fromthe rotation shaft 56. In this state, the distances between the guidepin 54 and the adjacent shaft 21 become greater than the distancesbetween the shaft 21 adjacent to one another. With respect to theletters drawn on the cam 52, M refers to the position where thedistances between the adjacent shaft 21, and between the guide pin 55and the adjacent shaft 21 are equal. L refers to the position where thedistances between adjacent shafts 21 and the distance between the guidepin 55 and the adjacent shaft 21 are largest.

Although in the above embodiment, the mechanism for controlling theguide vanes was described when the guide vanes were inclined to theright, the same mechanism can be applied to the left guide vane system.Accordingly, the guide vane at the far left end of the guide vanearrangement is made to have a larger angle of inclination than any otherguide vane so that the space between one of these and either the left orright wall of the unit's body is blocked. It is therefore possible toprevent a part of the bulk air flow from being reflected on the wallsurfaces of the left and right sides of the nozzle and/or the frontpanel. The majority of the flow between the far right or far left vaneand the adjacent vane flows in the inclination direction of the adjacentvane, and the cross sectional area is expanded. From this effect, theflow will reduce in speed and thus will have no influence on theleft/right direction of the flow as a whole. As a result, it is possiblefor the conditioned bulk air to flow in the required preset direction.

Although the coiled spring 49 is made to push the L-shaped rod 50 towardthe cam 52 in the above embodiment, a similar effect can be obtained ifthe coil spring 49 is made to pull the L-shaped rod 50 toward theinclination changing cam 52.

The mechanism to make the inclination angle of the far left or far rightguide vane larger than that of any other guide vane was shown in theabove embodiment. If the position of the branch point where the L-shapedrod 50 is inserted is changed, and the guide vanes can be divided intogroups on opposite sides of the branch point, then they be connected bydifferent rods so that a particular number of guide vanes from the leftor right portion are made to have larger angles of inclination thanthose of the remaining guide vanes. It is then possible to block thespace between the far left or far right guide vane and the left or rightside wall of the body. In addition, the distance between the number ofvanes having a large inclination angle becomes smaller than the distancebetween the remaining vanes so that the resistance to the air flowbecomes so large that it is difficult for a flow to enter these spaces.Effectively, the flow has been made negligible. It is therefore possibleto blow out the bulk air flow as a whole in the desired left/rightdirection.

FIG. 13 illustrates the mechanism for connecting the guide vanes 8 tothe rod 20 in the above embodiment, and FIG. 14 illustrates themechanism for connecting the guide vanes to the L-shaped rod 50.

In the figures, reference numeral 8 represents a guide vane pivotallyhead by a pivot and 20 represents a rod pivotally attached to the guidevane 8 by the shaft 21. The rod is used to simultaneously direct aseries of guide vanes 8 to a desired angle in the left or rightdirections. The reference numeral 55 represents a guide pin forpivotally holding an L-shaped rod 50 on the guide vanes 8 via a guidegroove 51. The guide pin 55 moves freely along the guide groove 51.

Embodiment 3

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Itshows in detail the guide vanes located on the right side. In thefigure, the reference numeral 8 represents the guide vanes which arelocated between the walls 10 and 14 of the blow out nozzle 9. Thesevanes are pivotally held by the pivot 17 and are used to guide theconditioned air in the left and right directions. Reference numeral 12represents a cross blow fan located in the air outlet 4 of the aircourse 13 and is driven by a motor 18. Reference numeral 15 representsthe right side wall of the front panel 2. The reference numeral 20represents a rod pivotally attached to the guide vanes 8 by shaft 21 andis used to direct the series of guide vanes 8 to a desired angle in theleft or right directions. The distances between the pivot 17 and theshafts 21 are constant throughout the guide vanes 8 the referencenumeral 57 represents a bellows-like bulkhead containing the far rightguide vane and the right side wall 15 without interfering with themotion of the guide vanes 8. This bulkhead 57 blocks the spaces betweenthe respective vanes and the side walls of the unit.

As described previously, if the space between the far left or far rightguide vanes and the left or right side walls of the body are alwaysblocked by the bellows-like bulkhead, it is possible to eliminate theflow reflected on the surface of the left and right walls of the airoutlet and the units body. The air flow can then be directed in thedesired direction. The mechanism used to incline the guide vanes and thebellows-like bulkhead can be used on the left and right sides of thearrangement similarly without interfering with the motion of the guidevanes.

Embodiment 4

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, andshows the guide vanes located to the right of the guide vanearrangement. In the figure, the reference numeral 8 represents a seriesof guide vanes. They are located between walls 10 and 14 of the airoutlet nozzle 9. The guide vanes are pivotally held by pivot 17 andguide the direction of conditioned air in the left and right directions.Reference numeral 12 represents a cross flow fan located in the airoutlet 4 of the air course 13 and is driven by a motor 18. Referencenumeral 15 represents a right side wall of the front panel 2. Thereference numeral 20 represents a rod pivotally attached to the guidevanes 8 by shafts 21 and is used to direct the series of guide vanes 8to a desired angle. The distances between the pivot 17 and the shafts 21are equal throughout the entire guide vane arrangement. The referencenumeral 58 represents a sponge-like bulkhead which connects the farright guide vane to the right side wall 15 of the body 1. This does notinterfere with the motion of the guide vanes and blocks the spacebetween the respective vanes and the side walls of the body.

As has been described, if the space between the far left or right guidevanes and the left to right side walls of the body is blocked by thesponge-like bulkhead when the guide vane is inclined in the rightdirection, it is possible to eliminate the flow reflected on the surfaceof the right side wall the nozzle and the surface of the right side wallthe front panel. This enables the air flow as a whole to be blown out inthe preset direction.

Although the mechanism controlling the guide vanes on the right sideincline to the right was described in the previous embodiment, the samedescription is applicable when the vanes are inclined to the left. Thisblocking can similarly be achieve with a sponge-like bulkhead withoutinterfering with the motion of the guide vanes.

Further, although the space between the guide vane and the body sidewall is blocked by a sponge-like bulkhead when the guide vane isinclined, the sponge-like bulkhead may be designed so as to permanentlyblock such space. In a mechanism which directs air in accordance withthe above mentioned embodiment 2 or 4, two systems (left and right) maycontrol the guide vanes, and each of these systems has a driving systemfor making the inclinations of the guide vanes different from oneanother. As a result, the mechanism can be operated in a wide mode evenwhen the human bodies are located in different positions.

Embodiment 5

When a sensor for detecting the location of a human body is used inconjunction with a mechanism for directing the flow of air fromair-conditioning equipment and according to any of the embodimentsmentioned above, the direction of the conditioned air current iscontrolled automatically. It is controlled in accordance with the outputfrom the sensor to thereby make the conditioned air current arrive atthe location of the human body. It is possible to direct the air currentaccurately, and it is also possible to design a mechanism for directingthe flow of air which is superior in terms of its ability to becontrolled. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the control operationof such a mechanism. First, step S1 measures the distance of a humanbody from the two radiant temperature sensors attached to theair-conditioning unit. Step S2 triangulates the outputs from the tworadiant temperature sensors and determines the location and direction ofthe human body. Step S3 sets the mechanism for directing the flow of airto the required direction. Step S4 adjusts the angle for the guide vanesand changes the rotational speed of the fan so that the air velocity issufficient to reach the location of the human body. Step S4 alsocontrols the upward/downward angle of the exiting conditioned air andtakes into account temperature drift.

If the guide vanes are controlled with two independent systems (left andright), a sensor is used for detecting the location of the human bodies.When the sensor detects that the human bodies are located in differentpositions, the two (left and right) guide vane systems inclined in theleft and right directions, respectively, subsequently enable theair-conditioning unit to supply air to the full range of the spaceoccupied by humans.

Although the system was described in operation with a wall mounted typeair conditioning unit in the above embodiment, the system may also beused with a ceiling-hung type unit or with a ceiling-buried type unit. Aresult similar to that in the above embodiment can be obtained.

Embodiment 6

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Itshows in detail the guide vanes located to the right side of the guidevane arrangement which are inclined to the right. This inclination canbe attained by a similar method to that of FIG. 1. In Embodiment 1, avariable motor 29 is rotated counter clockwise, the rod 20 is moved tothe left and this motion is transferred to the left and rightcantilevers 25 and 26. The left and right cams 23 and 24 are thenrotated clockwise around the rotation shafts 27 and 28 respectively, andthe rod 20 is inclined by +B at its left end and -B at its right end.These inclinations are measured relative to the straight line connectingthe respective pivots 17. Next, the rotation shaft 38 of the variablemotor 31 is rotated to rotate the cantilever 32 so that the rod 20 ismoved by the displacement +A to the right via the pivot 34. Conversely,in this embodiment, when the variable motor 29 is rotated clockwise, rod20 is moved to the right and this motion is then transferred to the leftand right cantilevers 25 and 26. The left and right cams 23 and 24 arerotated counter clockwise around the rotation shafts 27 and 28respectively, and the rod 20 is then inclined by -B at its left end and+B at its right end. These inclinations are measured relative to thestraight line connecting the respective pivot 17. Furthermore, when therotation shaft 38 of the variable motor 31 is rotated to rotate thecantilever 32, rod 20 is moved to the right by +A via the pivot 34.Subsequently, the distances between the pivot 17 and the intersections21 become gradually larger from the far left guide vane to the far rightguide vane. Accordingly, the inclinations of the respective guide vanes8 become gradually smaller from θ₁ to θ₆. The cantilever 32 is pivotallyheld by the rod 20 via the pivot 34. This is similar to the manner ofthat embodiment 1, except that a groove in the cantilever 32 makes thepivot 34 movable in the longitudinal direction of the cantilever 32.Therefore, it becomes possible to absorb the displacement +B when therod 20 is inclined.

The operation of this system will now be described. FIGS. 19 and 20 showthe air flow near the right guide vanes in accordance with thisembodiment and embodiment 1. This air pattern occurs when the air flowexciting the guide vane to the far left or far right of the arrangementinterferes with the left or right wall of the nozzle or front panel.This usually occurs when the inclinations of the guide vanes are largeor when the distance between the guide vanes and the outlet nozzle islarge. In such a case, if the inclination of each guide vane is madelarger as the end of the guide vane arrangement is approached as shownin FIG. 20, then the air flows U₅ -U₇ collide with the right side wall14 of the nozzle and front panel and form into a forward straight flowexpressed by the composite vector (U₅ +U₆ +U₇). Accordingly, after beingblown out of the nozzle, the flow can be inclined only in the directionof the composite vectors (U₅ +U₆ +U₇) and U₄. In such a case, theinclination angle is made smaller as the end of the arrangement isapproached. This prevents the interference of the flow with the rightside wall 14 of the nozzle and front panel. The inclination angle of thefar guide vane is made to have a large inclination angle and thereforeno interference occurs. As shown in FIG. 19, composite vectors (U₁ +U₂),(U₁ +U₂ +U₃), D, and (U₁ +U₂ +U₃ +U₄ +U₅ +U₆ +U₇) are formed between theflow U₁ of the guide vane flows to the left and the flow U₂, between thecomposite flow (U₁ +U₂) and the flow U₃, etc., so that it is possible toincline the flows on a large scale. When this invention is used, it ispossible to reduce the static pressure loss previously caused by a partof the blow colliding with the right side wall 14 of the nozzle and theright side wall of the front panel. Subsequently, the quantity ofconditioned air can be increased.

When the system is in an air cooling mode and operating as in Embodiment1, and the inclination angle of the guide vane to the far end of thearrangement is large, a separation area 60 is produced on the negativepressure side of the guide vane as shown in FIG. 21. This negativepressure area entrains air with a high temperature and a high moisturecontent which will produce dew drops upon coming in contact with the lowtemperature guide vane. Since these dew drops will be blown into theroom, it is necessary to consider a way of draining them before they areblown off. In the case of this embodiment, however, the inclinationangle of the guide vane furthest to the right is so small the separationarea 60 on the negative pressure side is also very small. In this caseit is therefore not necessary to provide a dew drop drain.

Although this method is not located near the guide vane on the far rightinclined to the right was described in the above embodiment, it appliesequally well to the far left guide vane inclined to the left.

FIG. 23 shows the distribution of air velocity at 1.5 m in front of theair outlet when using the two mechanisms shown in FIGS. 22a and 22b,respectively. In FIGS. 22a and 22b, the reference numeral 59 representsa left side wall. The distance between the left side wall 11 and theright side wall 15 is made gradually larger, forming a bell shape as theoutlet of the unit is approached. FIG. 22a shows the mechanism fordirecting the air flow as described in embodiment 3. In this mechanism,the left and right sets of 7 guide vanes are made smaller by 3°increments, i.e., from 54° to 51° to 48°, etc., finishing at 36°. Theangles are largest between the vanes which are positioned in the centerof the unit. An average angle of 45° is thus obtained. FIG. 22b is theconventional mechanism for directing the flow of air in which all theguide vanes, 14 total, are inclined by 45°. According to FIG. 23, thedistribution of outlet velocity does not significant vary between theembodiment and the conventional example. However, a relatively largedeflection angle of 50° can be obtained in the embodiment compared with45° in the conventional example. According to the embodiment, it ispossible to deflect the air through a large angle with a high degree ofaccuracy. FIG. 25 shows the distribution of the conditioned air at aposition 1.5 meters in front of the air outlet when using both theconventional and the previously described mechanism for controlling thedirection of air flow. In both instances, air is being blown out in awide mode and the guide vanes are arranged as shown in FIGS. 24a and24b. FIG. 24a shows the air directing mechanism described in embodiment6. In this mechanism, the left and right guide vane sets are eachcomposed of 7 guide vanes and their inclination angles have been madesmaller in +3° increments: ±54°, + or ±51°, . . . ±36°, from the centerof the arrangement to the end. Overall, this results in an average angleof 45°. FIG. 24b shows the conventional air detecting mechanism in whichthere are seven guide vanes in both the left and right sets, eachinclined at 45°. According to FIG. 25, it is possible to reduce agreater quantity of air blown in the forward direction by the wide modeembodiment than by the wide mode comparative example. This effectivelymeans that the embodiment can direct air more accurately in both theleft and right directions. Therefore, if the air directing mechanismshown in this embodiment is used together with a human body sensor, thenthe conditioned air flow can automatically be controlled so that eithera hot air current or a cold air draft is not directly aimed at thehuman. Accordingly, it is possible to uniformly heat a room as a whole.

FIG. 26 shows the ratio of the reduction of conditioned air to thequantity of air blown forward versus the average guide vane angle whenthe air directing mechanism is configured as shown in FIGS. 22a, 22b,24a, and 24b. In the figure, the vane angle in the embodiment is madesmaller in three degree increments with an average vane angle of 45°,and smaller in two degree increments with an average vane angle of 30°,with the central vanes having the largest angles. In a wide mode, theaverage angle is made to be ±45°. It can be seen from the figure that byusing a mechanism for directing the air flow similar to that of theembodiment, that it is possible to obtain a large deflection angle incomparison with the ratio of the reduction of conditioned air to thequantity of air blown forward. This is very small (1%) relative to theconventional example when the guide vanes have a deflection angle of45°.

It is possible to deflect an air current by a large amount both when thedistance between the guide vanes and the air outlet nozzle is large asdescribed in the above embodiment, and when it is small. When thisdistance is small, the reduction in the quantity of conditioned air canbe further restrained.

Embodiment 7

FIG. 27 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which thelocation of the intersections 21 between the guide vanes 8 and the rod20 are fixed, and the distance is between the pivot 17 and theintersections 21 are made gradually larger from the left side towardsthe right side. Only a variable motor 31 is used as a driving system forcontrolling the angles of the guide vanes. With such a configuration,although the difference of inclination between the most inclined guidevane and the least inclined guide vane cannot be changed, the mechanismfor changing the difference of the inclination angles, that is, the leftand right cams 23 and 24, left and right cantilevers 25 and 26, rotationshafts 27 and 28, variable motor 29, cantilever 30, and so on, can beomitted, so that the mechanical reliability is increased with areduction in cost.

If shafts 21 on the rod 20 are located to make all the guide vanesparallel with a vane inclination angle of 0°, it is possible to preventthe quantity of conditioned air from decreasing. This enables the rangeof delivery to be increased.

When the rotation centers of the guide vanes and the connection point ofthe guide vanes and a connection member are made different from oneanother, and only the variable motor 31 is used as a driving system, thesystem can be applied to embodiments 1 and 2 with an effect similar tothat of this embodiment.

Although the mechanism for controlling the flow of air form anair-conditioning unit was described in the above embodiment, thisembodiment may be applied to other air conditioning units with an effectsimilar to that described above.

Although in the above embodiment a human body was regarded as the objecttoward which the conditioned air should be directed, any object may beregarded as the target for which conditioned air should be supplied. Theonly change to the system required is to replace the human sensor with arelevant sensor.

Embodiment 8

FIGS. 28-32 are views illustrating another embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 28 shows an air-conditioning unit; FIG. 29 shows anenlarged side view of a vertical section to FIG. 28; FIG. 30 shows thecontrol apparatus for the air discharge system of FIG. 28; FIG. 31 showsthe air discharge system diagram of the air-conditioning unit of FIG.28; and FIG. 32 shows a flow chart for explaining the operation of theair conditioning unit of FIG. 28. In the Figures, reference numeral 1represents the units body, reference numeral 2 represents the frontpanel which covers the front side of the body 1 and has an air inletopening 3, reference numeral 4 represents an air outlet in the lowerportion of the front side of the body 1, reference numeral 5 representsa heat exchanger located between the fan and the air inlet 3, andreference numeral 6 represents an inner casing which forms an air course13.

Reference numeral 7 represents an up/down air deflection plate locatedin the air outlet 4. This is pivotally attached to the left and rightside wall of the air outlet 4 via a shaft fixed to the left and rightends of the unit. It consists of vanes which can direct the flow of airboth horizontally and vertically, reference numeral 8 represents aseries of left/right air deflection plates (guide vanes) which arepivotally held between the walls of left and right ends of the airoutlet 4. These guide vanes can direct the flow of air to theleft/right. Reference numeral 12a represents a cross flow fan located inthe air course 13 and is driven by motor 18.

The reference numeral 119 represents stepping motors which are used tochange the inclination angles to the left/right air deflection plates 8,and reference numeral 120 represents a stepping motor which is used tochange the inclination angle of the up/down air deflection plates 7.

The reference numeral 121 represents a control device. This has arotational velocity instruction portion 122 for the motor 18, a drivingquantity detection portion 123, and a driving quantity instructionportion 124 for the motors 119 and 120.

In a mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit with a configuration as described above, the direction of the airflow exiting the cross flow fan 12a is controlled by the left/right airdeflection plates 8 and the up/down air deflection plates 7. Thedeflection angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 and theup/down air deflection plates 7 are changed by the motors 119 and 120.The rotational velocity of the motor 18 is controlled by the rotationalvelocity instruction portion 122. The driving quantities of the motors119 and 120 are controlled by the driving quantity detection portion 123and the driving quantity instruction portion 124.

FIG. 31 shows a system for deciding the instruction contents of theabove instruction portions of the control device 121. That is, thoughnot shown in the drawing, respective selection switches are operatedmanually to select running conditions such as cooling, heating,dehumidifying, etc. The following selections can also be performed: theselection of an up/down air deflection angle, the selection of aleft/right air deflection angle, and the selection of the rotation ofvelocity of the cross flow fan 12a.

Correction as follows is performed in accordance with respectiveselected conditions so that they up/down air deflection angle, theleft/right air deflection angle, and the rotation of velocity of thecross flow fan 12a are decided and supplied from the respectiveinstruction portions.

The operation of the mechanism for controlling the flow of air from anair conditioning unit such as that described in embodiment 8 will now bedescribed with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 32. That is, thedeflection angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 is selectedin step S11, the right side and the left side of the deflection plates 8are driven in the right and left directions by the motors 119 and 120,and the time of the maximum deflection is zero pulses. Thus, thedeflection angles are set.

The processing is advanced to step S12, and then advanced to step S14when the input values of the motors 119 and 120 are not more than 160pulses and not less than 420 pulses, that is, when the deflection angleof the left/right air deflection plates 8 is 25° or greater, and therotational velocity of the cross flow fan 12a is accelerated to morethan its standard value. The processing is advanced to step S13 when thedeflection angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 is less than25°, and the rotational velocity of the cross flow fan 12a is set to arated value.

If the deflection angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 is 25°or greater, then the conditioned air current is separated and air fromthe conditioned space will flow into the outlet 4. As a result, dewdrops will form when the unit is in a cooling mode.

As the quantity of air blown from the air unit becomes lower, hightemperature air is apt to flow into the outlet 4. If the volume of theair passing through the unit is low, then so too will be the temperatureof the air as it discharges from the unit. This phenomenon willaccelerate the formation of dew drops upon the outlet 4.

Therefore, when the angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 isgreater than 25°, the rotational velocity of the cross flow fan 12a isincreased above a standard value. This ensures that the temperature ofdischarge air current will be higher than normal and thus air within theconditioned space will not be able to flow into the air outlet 4 andconsequently condense. The above control system does not need anyspecial detectors and can be employed without any additionalconstituents. When the unit is configured as above, it is possible tosupply air to a space through a large air outlet area. This will preventthe conditioned space from having temperature disuniformity and thusbeing less comfortable as would occur with conventional units.

In addition, since the control system mentioned above restrains thequantity of conditioned air from decreasing in a heating mode, it ispossible for the air flow to reach the floor of the conditioned spaceand thus improve the level of comfort.

Embodiment 9

FIGS. 33-35 show a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35is a flowchart that explains the operation of a mechanism for directingthe flow of air from an air conditioning unit in this embodiment; FIG.34 shows an operating condition of the air conditioning unit describedin FIG. 33; and FIG. 35 shows another operating condition of theair-conditioning unit described in FIG. 33. The mechanism for directingthe flow of air from an air conditoning unit as shown in FIGS. 33-35 isconfigured in the same manner as that in FIGS. 28-32.

The operation of this mechanism with reference to the flowchartpresented in FIG. 32 will now be described.

When the deflection angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 isselected in step S21, the routine will continue to step S22. If theangle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 is smaller than Y°, thenthe routine will continue to step S23 and the rotational speed of thecross flow fan 12a will be set to a predetermined value. However, whenthe angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 is not smaller thanY°, the routine will continue to step S24. If the operating mode is notan air heating mode, then the routine will continue to step S25 and theangle of the up/down air deflection plates 7 will be set to a smallervalue than the predetermined value. If, in step S24, the operating modeis an air heating mode, the routine will continue to step S26 and theangle of the up/down air deflection plate 7 will be set to a highervalue than the predetermined value.

For example, in an air heating mode, heated air is generally blowndownward. If the angle of the up/down air deflection plate 7 is in thepredetermined position, then the blown air current will reach the floorof the space at equal distances from the body 1, that is, in a circulararc from its center as shown in FIG. 34.

As is obvious from FIG. 34, as the left/right air deflection anglebecomes larger, the air current will reach the floor at a closerdistance to the unit. Furthermore, when the unit is configured inaccordance with embodiment 9, the location of the human body may beaccurately determined by the use of the human body sensor and air can besupplied to the space to ensure comfort levels are at a maximum. Whenthe angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 is large in theaforementioned condition, then the angle of the up/down air deflectionplate 7 is selected to be at a large angle value in order to improve theaccuracy where the air flow is delivered so that levels of comfort canbe improved.

In the configuration of embodiment 9, the value of the deflection angleY° is of the left/right air deflection plates 8 is set to be 30° lowerthan the angle determined by the human body sensor. Furthermore,embodiment 9 improves the ability of the air-conditioning unit toaccurately supply air to a conditioned space or area whether a humanbody sensor is used or not.

When the up/down air deflection angle is lower than the predeterminedvalue irrespective of the operating mode, the deflection angle of theleft/right air deflection plates 8 is selected to be a larger value.This thereby sets the angle of the up/down air deflection plate 7 to alarge value to improve the accuracy in the position where theconditioned air current arrives. Comfort can therefore be improved. Whenthe deflection angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 is largeror equal to the predetermined value, then the angle of the up/down airdeflection plate 7 can be corrected to be a large value which willtherefore improve the accuracy in the positions where the conditionedcurrent arrives so that comfort can therefore be improved.

In an air cooling mode, the up/down air deflection plate 7 is generallydirected upwards. Accordingly, when the left/right air deflection angleis large, the quantity of conditioned air is reduced so that the speedof conditioned air is lowered. As a result, there is a tendency that theconditioned air current is sucked back into the body 1 through the inlet3. This is represented by the arrow a shown in FIG. 35. In thiscondition, the temperature of the conditioned air current falls and dewis deposited onto the air outlet 4 which inhibits the level of comfortin the conditioned space.

A solution to the aforementioned problem is to correct the angle of theup/down air deflection plate 7 to the downward direction and therebyprevent the conditioned air current from entering into the suction inlet3. As a result, the blown air current can circulate in the living room.A comfortable environment can subsequently be maintained and dewdeposition on the air outlet 4 can be prevented.

Embodiment 10

FIGS. 36-39 show a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36shows a driving range of the left/right air deflection plates in aircooling and air heating modes in the mechanism for controlling the airflow from an air-conditioning unit in this embodiment. FIG. 37 is anexample of the left/right air deflection plates similar to those of FIG.36; FIG. 38 shows the temperature distribution at a height of 50 cm fromthe floor of the conditioned space in an air heating mode correspondingto FIG. 36; and FIG. 39 shows the relationship between the left/rightair deflection angle and the quantity of air discharged from the unitcorresponding to FIG. 36. This mechanism for controlling the air flowfrom an air-conditioning unit in FIGS. 36-39 is configured similarly tothat in FIGS. 28-32.

In the mechanism, the series of left/right air deflection plates 8 areconstructed as shown in FIG. 36. In an air heating mode where it isdifficult to circulate air in a space, they are controlled through awide deflection angle of 40° with respect to the reference line A, shownin FIG. 36. They are made to be perpendicular to the air outlet 4 sothat the conditioned air can reach the whole region of the room to beconditioned. When the left/right air deflection plates are controlled inan air cooling mode, they are only moved through a 25° angle whichprevents dew deposition on the air outlet 4. This doesn't impair thecomfort conditions in the living room because in contrast to heated air,cooled air can be circulated easily.

In this embodiment which is shown in FIGS. 36-39, two driving systemscontrol the left/right air deflection plates 8, so that comfort withinthe living room can be improved. FIG. 38a shows the temperaturedistribution at a height of 50 cm from the floor of the conditionedspace in the case where the left/right air deflection plates 8 are setat different angle to diffuse the air current. FIG. 38b shows thetemperature distribution at a height of 50 cm from the floor of theconditioned space and in the case where the left/right air deflectionplates 8 are set at equal angles.

The unit is set in the position marked with a heavy black line in FIG.38 and air is blown from the unit to the right corresponding to FIG. 37.The shaded region in FIG. 38 is deemed to have a comfortable temperaturedistribution. A wider shaded region is achieved in FIG. 38a because theair current is diffused as it is discharged.

FIG. 39 shows the relationship between the angle of deflection of themain air current and the quantity of blown air both when the left/rightair deflection plates 8 are set to have equal values and when they areset to have different values. As can be seen in FIG. 39, when the angleof deflection of the deflection plates is set to have equal values thenthe quantity of heated air the unit supplies to the space is less. Thisshows that setting the deflection plates to different angles not onlyimproves comfort levels in the space but also improves performance.

Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 36-39 examines where theconditioned air current is diffused, it may be more effective toactually condense the conditioned air current in accordance with thecharacteristics of the controller 121.

Embodiment 11

FIGS. 40 and 41 show a further embodiment of the present invention. Theflowchart in FIG. 40 explains the operation of the mechanism forcontrolling the air flow from an air conditioning unit in accordancewith this embodiment; FIG. 41 shows the operation of the left/right airdeflection plates. This mechanism as depicted in FIGS. 40 and 41 isconfigured in the same way as that in FIGS. 28-32.

The deflection driving range of the left/right air deflection plates 8can be widened by applying the following method to the embodiment shownin FIGS. 36-39.

The operation of the mechanism for controlling the air flow from anair-conditioning unit is described below with reference to the flowchartshown in FIG. 40.

In step S31, the operating mode of the system is selected and theroutine then continues to step S32. If an air cooling mode has not beenselected then step S32 is bypassed and the angle of the left/rightdeflection plate 8 is set to a predetermined value in step S33.

If an air cooling mode has been selected, step S33 is bypassed and stepS34 determines whether the angle of the left/right air deflection plates8 is less than 25°. If so, the routine returns to step S33. If not, thenit progresses to step S35. This stage selects a time after the unit hasstarted at which the angle of the deflection plates will return to 25°.

As an example, if the temperature in the conditioned space is high, thenit is not desirable for the person occupying the space to suddenly havecold air blown at them. However, once the space temperature hasequalized to be similar to the cooling temperature, then it is desirableto have the main air flow directed at the person.

When the angle of the left/right air deflection plates 8 is set to alarge value in order to increase the level of comfort at the time theair-conditioning process starts, then the air deflection plates causethe flow of air to separate. This causes dew deposition on the airoutlet 4. This dew deposition can be prevented by reducing the angle ofthe left/right air deflection plates 8 and subsequently preventing theair from separating as it leaves the unit. For this reason, air is blownalong the walls of the space to be conditioned so that an unpleasantfeeling is not encountered and as soon as the temperature of the spaceapproaches the desired temperature, then the angle of the deflectionplates is reduced to 25°. This ensures that dew will not form and thatthe levels of comfort can be maintained at a maximum.

This effect can also be achieved when the left/right air deflectionplates 8 are deflected at equal angles, and air is being blown to theright or left of the body 1.

Embodiment 12

FIGS. 42-45 show a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 42is a flowchart that explains the operation of a mechanism for directingthe flow of air from air conditioning equipment in this embodiment; FIG.43 shows an example of when the air conditioning unit of FIG. 42 ismounted on a wall; FIG. 44 shows the air flow conditions of FIG. 42; andFIG. 45 shows an example of correcting the deflection angle of theleft/right air deflection plates of FIG. 44. This mechanism depicted inFIGS. 42-45 is configured in the same manner as that in FIGS. 28-32.

The reference line A in FIG. 36 can be corrected according to themounting position of the unit by applying the following method to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 36-39. The operation of the mechanism forcontrolling the flow of air from an air-conditioning unit will bedescribed below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 42.

Step S41 sets the mounting position. Step S42 determines whether theunit is located near a left or right wall and if neither, then in stepS43 the deflection reference line of the left/right air deflectionplates 8 are set to 0°.

If step S42 determines that the unit is located near the left or rightwall, then the routine continues to step S44. Step S44 sets thedeflection reference line of the left/right air deflection plates 8 tobe 35 degrees away from the wall as shown in FIG. 45. As shown in FIG.44, this large angle ensures that air is not recirculated in the unitbut is discharged into the space to be conditioned. When the unit has aroom temperature sensor, cooled/heated air blown out through the airoutlet 4 may come into contact with the room temperature sensor,directly resulting in an incorrect sensor reading. Obviously, in such acase, the room will either be underheated or cooled. To ensure that thisdoes not occur, the angle of the air jet is set so that the blown aircurrent is not reflected off of the wall as is shown in FIG. 44.

Embodiment 13

FIGS. 46 and 47 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 47 isan enlarged view of the end vane of FIG. 46. In the Figures, thereference numeral 201 represents an air outlet; reference numeral 202represents the inner wall of the air outlet; reference numeral 231represents a type 1 vane located so as to be near the inner wall 202which is one side of the air outlet 201; and reference numeral 210represents a C-shaped pivotal bearing located at the bottom of the type1 vane 231. The reference numeral 211 represents a rotational bearingwhich is also located on the type 1 vane; reference numeral 232represents a type 2 vane and similar to the type 1 vane is has both apivotal bearing 210 and a rotational bearing 211 however the twobearings are located closer together than they are in the type 1 vane231.

The reference numeral 233 represents a series of type 3 vanes locatedseparately between the type 1 vane 231 and the type 2 vane 232. The type3 vanes are formed in the same manner as the type 1 vane 231 and havesimilar pivotal bearings 210. Each of the type 3 vanes have anengagement portion 213.

The reference numeral 214 represents a connection arm which hasconnection shafts 215 at its opposite ends which ensure that it ispivotally held by the rotational bearings 211 of the type 1 and type 2vanes 231 and 232, respectively. Intermediate connection shafts 216enable it to be movably fitted into the elongated holes 212 of theengagement portion 213 of the type 3 vanes 233, respectively.

In the mechanism for controlling the flow of air from anair-conditioning unit configured as described above, the followingoperation is performed when a left and right group of vanes are arrangedas shown in FIG. 66. The type 1, 2, and 3 vanes 231, 232, and 233 aremoved in accordance with the lengthwise movement of the connection arm214 so that they incline as shown in FIG. 66. It is unnecessary toproduce the type 3 vanes 233 while the distances between the pivotalbearings 210 and the engagement portions 213 are successively changed inaccordance with the positions of the arrangement of the type 3 vanes233. Accordingly, the type 3 vanes 233 can be produced easily, so thatthe mechanism can be assembled but simply and easily.

Embodiment 14

FIGS. 48 and 49 show another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.48 is a cross-sectional plan view of an air outlet; and FIG. 49 is anenlarged view of a part of FIG. 48. The parts not shown on these Figuresare the same as those of FIG. 65. In the Figures, the reference numeral201 represents an air outlet; reference numeral 202 represents an innerwall of the air outlet 201; reference numeral 231 represents a type 1vane located near the inner wall 202; and reference numeral 210represents a C-shaped pivotal bearing located on one side of the type 1vane 231. The reference numeral 211 represents a rotational bearing;reference numeral 232 represents a type 2 vane constructed similarly tothe type 1 vane so that it has a pivotal bearing 210 and a rotationalbearing 211, but the two bearings are arranged at a short distance thanin the type 1 vane 231.

The reference numeral 233 represents a series of type 3 vanes locatedseparately between the type 1 and type 2 vanes. The type 3 vanes areconstructed similarly to the type 1 vanes 231 and thus have pivotalbearings 210, an engagement portion 213, and the elongated hole 212along the lengths of the edge portion. The type 3 vanes also havebearing portions 217 located above the elongated holes 212,respectively. The reference numeral 214 represents a connection armwhich has connection shafts 315 and is pivotally held by the rotationalbearings 211 of the type 1 and type 2 vanes 231 and 232, respectively.Intermediate connection shafts 216 are located at its intermediateportion and are movably fitted into the elongated holes 212 of theengagement portions 213.

In the mechanism configured as described above and in the case whenthere are two sets of vanes, a right and a left set as shown in FIG. 66,the arrangement is as follows. The pivotal bearings 210 of the threevane types are arranged with the connection arm 214. The type 3 vanesare connected to the connection arm via the intermediate connectionshafts 216, movably fitted into the elongated holes 212. The type 1, 2,and 3 vanes are moved within the lengthwise movement of the connectionarm 214 so as to be inclined in the same way as those shown in FIG. 66.It is not necessary for the type 3 vanes 233 to be produced while thedistances between the pivotal bearings 210 and the engagement portions213 are successively changed in accordance with the positions of thearrangement of the type 3 vanes 233. Accordingly, the type 3 vanes 233can be produced easily, so that the mechanism can be assembled simplyand easily.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 48 and 49, because the type 3 vanes 233 arelocated in an intermediate portion and connected to the connection arm214 through the intermediate joint shaft 218 pivotally held by thebearing portion 217, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of thedisadvantage where the connection arm 214 is distorted by air blowing isrepresented by the chained line in FIG. 48 to shift the inclinationangle of the type 3 vane 233 from a predetermined value to thereby spoilthe air direction changing effect.

Embodiment 15

FIGS. 50 and 51 show a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG.50 is a front view of the vane; and FIG. 51 is an enlarged section takenalong the line X--X in FIG. 50. The structure not shown in FIGS. 50 and51 is the same as that of FIG. 65. In the figures, the reference numeral232 represents a type 2 vane located in the center of the air outlet201, said reference numeral 210 represents a C-shaped pivotal bearingobtained by cutting one side of a ring and is located at the bottom sideedge of the type 2 vane 232. The reference numeral 219 representsdew-receiving cavities which consist of a series of horizontal groovesarranged separately and parallel to one another, each having a width ofabout 0.5 mm. Reference numeral 209 represents the dew generated in thetype 2 vane 232 and deposited onto the dew receiving cavities 219.

In the mechanism which controls the flow of air from an air-conditioningunit, configured as described above and shown in FIG. 66, the followingoperation is carried out in the case where there is a left and a rightgroup of vanes. In this case, a narrow gap between the type 2 vanes 232is formed in the center portion. The air 207 blown out through this asshown in FIG. 66 is so weak that secondary air 208 will be entrained. Asa result, dew 209 is deposited on the type 2 vanes, reserved in the dewreceiving cavities 219, and not blown out into the conditioned room.

By applying the embodiment shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, the mechanism forcontrolling the air flow from an air-conditioning unit can be configuredeasily as shown in FIGS. 52-55. FIG. 52 is a respective view of FIG. 50;and FIGS. 53-55 are views showing sections taken along the line Y--Y inFIG. 52. In the Figures, the reference numeral 219 represents the dewreceiving cavities which are shown in various kinds of cross-sectionalshapes in FIGS. 53-55 and are arranged separately and parallel to oneanother. Reference numeral 202 represents dew that has been generated onthe type 2 vane 232 and has deposited into the dew receiving cavities219.

Embodiment 16

FIGS. 56-59 are views showing a further embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 56 shows a guide vane; FIG. 57 shows a sleeve fittedinto the pivotal bearing depicted in FIG. 56; FIG. 58 shows a shafterected from the inner wall of the air outlet; and FIG. 59 shows across-section when the pivotal bearing of FIG. 56, the sleeve of FIG.57, and the shaft of FIG. 58 are assembled together. The overallassembly not shown in FIGS. 56-59 is the same as that of FIG. 65. In theFigures, the reference numeral 210 represents a C-shaped pivotal bearingobtained by cutting one side of a ring, and is located on the lower edgeportion of one side of the vane 203 and has a flange 220 at its lowerside.

The reference numeral 211 represents a sleeve and has flanges 222 at itsupper and lower portions, respectively. These are fitted into thepivotal bearing 210 so as to be held by the pivotal bearing 210.Reference numeral 204 represents a shaft erected from the inner wall 202of the air outlet 201 and fits into the sleeve 221. In the upper endportion of the shaft 204, there is a groove 223 and a claw 224 projectedto prevent the sleeve 221 from dropping out.

In this mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air conditionunit configured as described above, two sets of vanes 203, left andright, are assembled as in FIG. 66. The two groups of vanes are arrangedso as to be rotatable so that the lower sides are a long way from oneanother. The vanes 203 are pivotally held, via the sleeve 221 and thepivotal bearings 210, and by the shaft 204 erected from the inner wall202 as shown in FIG. 59.

For this reason, the vanes 203 rotate smoothly around the shafts 204.The vanes 203 are held by the flanges 220 even when loads perpendicularto the shafts 204 act on the vanes 203. Accordingly, the pivotalbearings 210 and the sleeve 221 can be assembled in advance, so thatassembling can be performed easily. Furthermore, the rotations of thevanes can therefore be made smooth and virtually noiseless.

As described above, in this mechanism for controlling the air flow froman air conditioning unit the guide vanes are controlled so that theangle of inclination of each guide vane becomes larger as the end of theguide vane arrangement is approached. Accordingly, the whole air flowcan be blown in the required left/right blowing direction accurately.

In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit the angle of inclination of only the guide vane or vanes situatedto the far left or far right of the guide vane arrangement are set to belarger than the remaining vanes. This therefore allows a space to beblocked between the side wall of the unit and a guide vane or vanes. Thedirection in which the air flow is blown can therefore be carefullycontrolled.

In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit the side walls of the unit have been made smoothly curved so thatthe distance between them slowly increases as air flows out of the unit.This shape allows accurate control of the air flow direction even whenthe guide vanes are set to steep inclination angles.

If two independent driving systems are used to swing the guide vanesfrom left to right and make the required inclinations, then reduction incost can be achieved.

In accordance with claim 5 of the present invention, if the distancesbetween the rotating centers of the guide vanes and the connectionpoints of the connection member are made different from one another,then only one driving means for swinging the guide vanes from left toright is required. This will result in manufacturing costs beingreduced. In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from anair-conditioning unit, if the guide vanes situated to the far left orfar right of the arrangement are connected to the unit wall via abellows-like bulkhead, the space between the wall and the vane can befilled with a sponge-like member. The whole air flow can then be blownaccurately in the left or right direction.

In each of the above mechanisms for directing the flow of air, if twoindependent systems, a left and right system, are used for guide vanecontrol than the unit can be operated in a wide mode even when humansare located at different positions within the space to be conditioned.

In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit, the conditioned air flow from the unit can be directed toward aperson within the space by using a human sensor.

In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit, two systems (left and right) are used together with a humansensor. This enables the directions of the guide vanes to automaticallyand independently direct the air flow toward the location or thelocations of people within the room. The system can be operated in awide mode together with automatic adjustment.

In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit, the guide vanes are controlled so that the angle of inclination ofeach guide vane becomes smaller as the end of the arrangement of theguide vanes is approached. When the vane inclination angle or thedistance between the guide vane and the air outlet nozzle is large, andwhen a large part of the air interferes with the wall of the nozzle, aninclination angle of the guide vanes closest to the unit wall can bemade smaller so that less interference occurs. The inclination angles ofthe remaining guide vanes can be made larger so that the resultantdirection of air flow is as desired. As air interference with the unitwall causes a pressure drop and consequently a reduction in the volumeof air flow, then removing this interference not only increases theaccuracy of the air supply but also ensures that the volume of air flowis not decreased.

In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit as mentioned above, the side walls of the unit have been madesmoothly curved so that the distance between them slowly increases asthe air flows out of the unit. This shape allows accurate control of theair flow direction, even when the guide vanes are set to steepinclination angles.

If two independent driving systems are used to produce the requiredinclinations of the guide vanes and to swing them from left to right,then a reduction in cost can be achieved.

The guide vanes can be made to swing from left to right with the use ofonly one driving system. This is achieved by fixing the connectionmember to the guide vanes via the connection points and making thedistance between the rotating centers of the guide vanes and therespective connection points different. By only using one drivingsystem, the reliability of the mechanism is increased and the cost isfurther reduced.

In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit, if the guide vanes situated to the far left or far right of theguide vane arrangement are connected to the unit wall via a bellows-likebulkhead, the space between the wall and the vane can be filled with asponge-like member. The whole air flow can then be blown accurately inthe left or right direction.

In each of the above mechanisms for directing the flow of air, if twoindependent systems (a left and a right system) are used for guide vanecontrol, then the unit can be operated in a wide mode even when humansare located at different positions within the space.

In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit, the conditioned air flow from the unit can be directed toward aperson within the space by using a human sensor.

In the mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioningunit, two systems (left and right) are used together with a humansensor. This enables the directions of the guide vanes to automaticallyand independently direct the air flow toward the location or locationsof people within the room. This system can be operated in a wide modetogether with automatic adjustment.

The mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioning unitconsists of a cross flow fan which is in the body of the unit, up/downair deflection plates located at the air outlet, a series of left/rightair deflection plates connected to one another, a motor which changesthe angles of the left/right air deflection plates, and a controllerwhich ensures that the rotational speed of the fan is increased when theangles of the left/right air deflection plates exceed a predeterminedangle. Increasing the fan speed ensures that the quantity of blown airremains approximately the same. This enables the temperature of the airin an air heating mode to be kept comparatively high, ensures thatsecondary air is not entrained onto the air outlet to create dew, andenables the warm air in an air heating mode to reach the floor.

The mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioning unitconsists of a cross flow fan which is located in the body of the unit,up/down air deflection plates located at the air outlet, a series ofleft/right air deflection plates connected to one another, a motor whichchanges the angles of the left/right air deflection plates, and acontroller which ensures that the deflection angle is changed by themotor when the angle of the deflection plates exceed a predeterminedangle. The up/down air deflection plate directs air downward in an aircooling mode and upward in an air heating mode. When the deflectionangle is larger than the predetermined value and the system is in acooling or heating mode, the up/down air deflection plates direct airmore upward and more downward than when in a normal state.

The mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air conditioning unitconsists of a cross flow fan which is located in the body of the unit,up/down air deflection plates located at the air outlet, a series ofleft/right air deflection plates connected to one another, a motor whichchanges the angles of the left/right air deflection plates, and acontroller to ensure that the angles of the left/right air deflectionplates are reduced in a cooling mode and increased in a heating mode.This prevents dew formation in an air cooling mode and ensures that warmair reaches the necessary part of the space rapidly in a heating mode.Comfort in the conditioned space is therefore increased.

The mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioning unitconsists of a cross flow fan which is located in the body of the unit,up/down air deflection plates located at the air outlet, a series ofleft/right air deflection plates connected to one another, a motor whichchanges the angles of the left/right air deflection plates, and acontroller which ensures that in an air cooling mode, when the angles ofthe left/right air deflection plates are greater than a predeterminedvalue, the angles of the left/right deflection plates will be reducedafter a certain period of time has elapsed from the start of the coolingoperation. When the air cooling operation starts, cool air will bedelivered to positions in the space that humans do not occupy. As thetemperature of the space and the cool air flow equalize, cool air flowwill gradually be directed toward the humans. This operation succeeds inincreasing space comfort level together with preventing dew depositionupon the air outlet.

The mechanism for controlling the air flow from an air-conditioning unitconsists of a cross flow fan which is located in the body of the unit,up/down air deflection plates located at the air outlet, a series ofleft/right air deflection plates connected to one another, a motor forchanging the angles of the left/right air deflection plates, and acontroller which ensures that when the unit is located close to a wall,the air deflection plates deflect the air flow so that it is notincident on the wall. It is therefore possible to mount a unit close toa wall without fear of reducing its heating or cooling performance.

The mechanism for controlling the flow of air from the air-conditioningunit has three types of vanes. These are mounted in the air outlet via apivotal bearing and make rotational movement to direct the flow of air.Vanes 1 and 2 are located at opposite ends of the series of vanes andboth have rotational bearings. The rotational and pivotal bearings ofvane 2 are closer together than those in vane 1. The rotational bearingsof vanes 1 and 2 are connected by a connection arm. From this armintermediate connection shafts are pivotally connected into the movablefittings of vanes 3. These movable fittings consist of elongated holeshaving a length equal to the bottom of the type 3 vanes. Construction ofa mechanism in this way makes it unnecessary to make the distancebetween the pivotal bearings and the engagement portions of the type 3vanes gradually different relative to the position of the vane.Therefore, manufacturing and assembly can be simplified and the costsubsequently reduced.

The mechanism for controlling the flow of air from an air-conditioningunit has three types of vanes. These are mounted in the air outlet via apivotal bearing and make rotational movement to direct the flow of air.Vanes 1 and 2 are coated at opposite ends of the series of vanes 3 andboth have rotational bearings. The rotational and pivotal bearings ofvane 2 are closer together than those in vane 1. The rotational bearingsof vanes 1 and 2 are connected by a connection arm. From this armintermediate connection shafts are pivotally connected into the movablefittings of vane 3. These movable fittings consist of a bearing locatedabove an elongated hole which is the length of the bottom of the type 3vane. This bearing pivotally holds the intermediate joint shaft which isconnected to the intermediate connection shaft. This connection preventsthe connection arm from bending and subsequently the vanes can be movedin the required direction to accurately supply air to the space. Anotheradvantage is that by constructing the mechanism in this way, it is notnecessary to make the distance between the pivotal bearings and theengagement portion of the type 3 vanes gradually different relative tothe position of the vane. Therefore manufacturing and assembly methodscan be simplified and cost subsequently reduced.

A mechanism for controlling the flow of air from the air-conditioningapparatus has two series of vanes located in the left and right sides ofan air outlet. Both series of vanes make rotational movement in oppositedirections and thereby change the air direction. A narrow space betweenthe left and right groups of vanes is formed. Air being blown outthrough the space is weak so entrained secondary air generates dewdrops. These are reserved in dew receiving cavities and subsequently dewis not blown into the space nor does it fall into the space.

A mechanism for controlling the flow of air from an air-conditioningunit is provided with vanes located in an air outlet which makerotational movement to change the direction of air flow. Pivotalbearings located in the edge portions on one side of each of the vanesform a C-shape. Sleeves fitted over the pivotal bearings hold them inplace and shafts connected to the unit's inner wall are inserted in thesleeves respectively. The vanes located at the air outlet are thereforepivoted on the shafts erected from the inner wall of the air outlet viathe sleeves and the pivotal bearings. The rotational movement of thevanes is therefore quiet and smooth so that noise within the space willbe kept to a minimum.

Obviously, numerous additional modifications and variations of thepresent invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It istherefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appendedclaims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. A mechanism for controlling the flow of airfrom an air-conditioning unit, comprising:a plurality of guide vaneslocated within an air outlet of said air-conditioning unit, saidplurality of guide vanes engaging in rotational movement to adjust adirection of said flow of air; pivotal bearings located at edge portionson one side of each of said plurality of guide vanes; sleeves fittedover said pivotal bearings to hold said pivotal bearings in place; andshafts inserted within said sleeves and connected to an inner wall ofsaid air-conditioning unit.
 2. An air-direction adjusting apparatus inan air-conditioning equipment, which comprises guide vanes which aredisposed in a blow-outlet and which make rotational movement to therebychange the air direction, wherein each vane has a C-shaped annularpivotal bearing and a sleeve fitted into the bearing so as to be held bythe bearing, a shaft extending from an inner wall of the blow-outletbeing inserted into the sleeve, the shaft having claws which projectfrom the upper end portion of the shaft so as to retain the sleeve. 3.Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which there is a guide vane of afirst type at one end of a set of the guide vanes, a guide vane of asecond type at the other end, and guide vanes of a third typeintermediate the two end guide vanes, there being non-slidingconnections between the two end guide vanes and a link connecting allthe guide vanes of the set.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in whicheach intermediate guide vane has a slot in which a shaft on the link isreceived to connect the guide vane to the link.
 5. Apparatus as claimedin claim 4, in which one shaft on the link is received in a bearingportion of one of the intermediate guide vanes.